St. Thomas police body-worn cameras to roll out Oct. 1

St. Thomas police will be piloting body-worn cameras on its officers, part of an effort to build public trust and enhance enhancing officer safety and public safety, officials say.

A dozen cameras will be installed on uniforms starting Oct. 1.

"The St. Thomas Police Services Board supports building public trust, community support and enhancing officer safety and public safety. This is an example of our clear commitment to ensuring we have an accountable police service to those who they serve," said Dave Warden, chair of the board.

Six cameras will be used per shift, while the other six recharge and have their data downloaded.

"The six deployed cameras will be rotated amongst Officers on Community Patrol. Since not every officer on shift is being equipped with a body camera during the pilot, not every interaction with the public will be recorded," police said in a statement.

"Body worn cameras will undoubtedly assist with improving the high-quality public service expected of police officers and enhance police accountability while at the same time increasing public trust," Chief Chris Herridge said in a statement.

"We have come so far in developing and strengthening relationships with our community, and in my opinion, body-worn cameras will only boost our ability to improve the overall well-being of St. Thomas. We look forward to working with Axon and moving ahead as soon as possible."

Axon will supply the police service with the body-worn cameras. It also supplies St. Thomas police officers with Tasers.

The pilot will last until January 2021.